{"id":69071,"date":"2021-02-01T10:15:35","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T16:15:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=69071"},"modified":"2026-03-14T17:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T22:07:09","slug":"college-math-placement-test","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/college-math-placement-test\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pass a College Math Placement Test"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Congrats! You have made it through high school, have taken the ACT or SAT, and have been accepted to college. It can be a rewarding experience in many ways, especially if you get into a program with the right courses to achieve your goals.<\/p>\n<p>Most college degrees, regardless of your major, require that you take a math course. To determine which level of mathematics matches your current ability, your school is likely to administer its own college math placement test rather than use the standardized test scores. Let\u2019s explore the reasons for this placement test and what the content generally looks like.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Why_Colleges_Require_Math_Placement_Tests\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Why Colleges Require Math Placement Tests<\/h2>\n<p>Once admitted to college, you may be asked to take placement tests for various subjects, not just math. Why is this? Although college admissions representatives can read your high school transcripts and view courses you\u2019ve taken, they understand that there\u2019s variation in what is taught and how well students must master it to achieve their grades.<\/p>\n<p>The college\u2019s math courses might not align perfectly with what high schools offer, so a college-level math placement test score provides a more accurate assessment of what you\u2019ve mastered and where you should be placed.<\/p>\n<p>Students who are placed too high or too low in the math curriculum can become frustrated with their progress. This frustration can result in poor learning, inadequate performance, and dropping out. Your college wants you to succeed, just as you want to succeed. When you\u2019re matched with the right math content, you\u2019ll do better, be happier with your experience, and be more likely to stay in school.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"What_To_Study_For_the_Math_Placement_Test\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>What To Study For the Math Placement Test<\/h2>\n<p>Colleges usually develop their own math placement tests, but the tests are usually similar, covering your basic skills, application ability, and analysis of concepts on topic areas:<\/p>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-top: -1em\">Arithmetic<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle;margin-top: 0.5em\">\n<li>Addition<\/li>\n<li>Subtraction<\/li>\n<li>Multiplication<\/li>\n<li>Division<\/li>\n<li>Fractions<\/li>\n<li>Decimals<\/li>\n<li>Ratios<\/li>\n<li>Proportions<\/li>\n<li>Percentages<\/li>\n<li>Averages<\/li>\n<li>Rounding<\/li>\n<li>Square roots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary>Algebra<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle;margin-top: 0.5em\">\n<li>Pre-algebra<\/li>\n<li>Algebra 1 and 2<\/li>\n<li>Expressions<\/li>\n<li>Linear equations<\/li>\n<li>Quadratic equations<\/li>\n<li>Systems of equations<\/li>\n<li>Inequalities<\/li>\n<li>Exponents<\/li>\n<li>Polynomials<\/li>\n<li>Factoring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary>Geometry<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle;margin-top: 0.5em\">\n<li>Coordinate geometry<\/li>\n<li>Measurement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-bottom: 1em\">Probability and Statistics<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle;margin-top: -0.5em\">\n<li>Data collection<\/li>\n<li>Data analysis<\/li>\n<li>Theoretical probability<\/li>\n<li>Experimental probability<\/li>\n<li>Permutations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sg-box-title\">Check Out Mometrix's College Math Placement Study Guide<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"sg-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/studyguides\/placement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Your Study Guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/studyguides\/placement\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"184\" height=\"238\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/mathplacement-13141-e1612196491569.jpg\" alt=\" Study Guide\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"How_to_Prepare_for_the_Math_Placement_Test\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>How to Prepare for the Math Placement Test<\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"How_to_Study_Effectively\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>How to Study Effectively<\/h3>\n<p>Your success on test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It\u2019s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking AOCNP practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free math placement practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The questions you got wrong<\/li>\n<li>The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right<\/li>\n<li>The ones you found difficult or slow to work through<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn\u2019t understand the material? Was it because you didn\u2019t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Answer_Explanations\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Answer Explanations<\/h3>\n<p>Additionally, many math placement practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question\u2019s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you\u2019re positive you have a thorough understanding.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Comprehend_Each_Topic\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Comprehend Each Topic<\/h3>\n<p>As you go along, keep in mind that the math placement practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won\u2019t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you\u2019ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Strategy_for_Math_Placement_Test_Practice\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Strategy for Math Placement Test Practice<\/h3>\n<p>When you\u2019re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;margin-top: 10px\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remove Limitations.<\/strong> Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and math study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you\u2019ve learned.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 10px\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Time Yourself.<\/strong> Take the second practice test \u201copen book\u201d as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 10px\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Simulate Test Day.<\/strong> Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Keep Practicing.<\/strong> Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it\u2019s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you\u2019ll be able to focus on recalling the material you\u2019ve learned.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"What_to_Expect_on_Test_Day\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>What to Expect on Test Day<\/h2>\n<p>At most colleges, you\u2019ll take the placement test on a computer in a designated lab or room. Learn the rules for the test day and the site. Find out what you are and aren\u2019t allowed to take into the test site. In some cases, a school will allow you to bring in a calculator, and in others, the school will prohibit calculators.<\/p>\n<p>To get the most meaningful results from your test, focus on the preparation of your math skills through practice and study, and make sure that you get plenty of sleep and take care of personal needs prior to the test.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"MathPlacementTestPrepCourse\" class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Math_Placement_Test_Online_Prep_Course\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Math Placement Test Online Prep Course<\/h2>\n<p>If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an <strong>online Math Placement Test prep course<\/strong> designed to give you everything you need to succeed!<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll find in the Math Placement Test course:<\/p>\n<div class=\"mocblurb\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"moclessons\"><\/li>\n<li class=\"mocpqs\"><\/li>\n<li class=\"mocvideos\"><\/li>\n<li class=\"mocmoney\"><\/li>\n<li class=\"mocmobile\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Everyone learns differently, so we&#8217;ve tailored the Math Placement Test online prep course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for the Math Placement Test exam.<\/p>\n<p>Click below to check it out!<\/p>\n<div class=\"buttonlinks\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/university\/mathplacement\/?utm_source=academy&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=academy-mu-ads&amp;utm_content=mathplacement\" class=\"class_names\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Course Button', 'Course Click', 'MathPlacementTestPrep Course Click']);\">Start Your Math Placement Test Online Course<\/button><\/a><\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/university\/mathplacement\/\" class=\"mobile-ad\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Mobile Ad', 'Mobile Click', 'MathPlacement Mobile Click']);\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Math-Placement-Mobile-Ad.webp\" alt=\"20% off coupon for the Math Placement online course.\" width=\"353\" height=\"354\"><br \/>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/\">Mometrix Academy &#8211; Home<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Congrats! You have made it through high school, have taken the ACT or SAT, and have been accepted to college. It can be a rewarding experience in many ways, especially if you get into a program with the right courses to achieve your goals. Most college degrees, regardless of your major, require that you take &#8230; <a title=\"How to Pass a College Math Placement Test\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/college-math-placement-test\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Pass a College Math Placement Test\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-69071","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"page_category-college-admissions-and-placement","6":"page_category-math-placement-pages","7":"page_type-exam-overview"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69071"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69071\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":264019,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69071\/revisions\/264019"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}